Darts star Mensur Suljovic apologises for ‘inappropriate’ comment about women and could face punishment

Mensur Suljovic has apologised for his on-stage behaviour and controversial comments about women during the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel.

However, the Austrian could still face disciplinary action after the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) referred his conduct to the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA).

The controversy erupted during Suljovic’s third-round clash with Ross Smith on Sunday. With Smith twice throwing for the match, Suljovic appeared to slow down his play before raising his arms in an attempt to get the crowd on his side.

The gesture went against the usual etiquette of darts, as Smith, 37, stood at the oche attempting to finish the match. The Englishman appeared to be distracted as boos and jeers rang around the venue.

Suljovic later defended his actions, suggesting that fans had repeatedly turned against him.

“In England, the fans are against me. Everywhere, they’re against me. And now he suddenly complains,” he said.

The Austrian, nicknamed The Gentle, eventually lost to Luke Humphries in the semi-finals but addressed the controversy in a statement shared on Instagram on Monday.

He admitted that his emotions had got the better of him during the match and apologised directly to Smith.

“I was really caught up in the emotion of the moment,” Suljovic said.

“I wanted to get the crowd on my side, and in doing so, I didn’t fully realise that Ross was throwing his match darts.

“In hindsight, I understand that the timing was unfortunate and was perceived as unfair. I would like to apologise to Ross for that.

“For me, Ross is one of the best darts players in the world, and I have great respect for him and his achievements.”

Suljovic also addressed the backlash over his comments about women during a post-match interview.

The 54-year-old, who famously lost to Fallon Sherrock at the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship, admitted that his remarks were inappropriate and apologised to women for what he had said.

“My statement about women in the interview was also completely inappropriate,” he continued.

“I should never have said that. I would like to expressly apologise to all women for it.”

Despite issuing an apology for both incidents, Suljovic could still face a fine or other disciplinary measures following two separate misconduct charges.

The PDC confirmed that the matter had been referred to the sport’s regulatory body for further consideration.

“We can confirm that Mensur Suljovic’s conduct at last weekend’s Swiss Darts Trophy has been referred to the Darts Regulation Authority, which has acknowledged receipt of the referral,” the organisation said.

Smith, who is known as Smudger, was keen to make it clear that he did not blame Suljovic entirely for his defeat.

The Englishman acknowledged that missing two match darts was ultimately his responsibility, although he admitted he could not know exactly what was happening behind him while he was throwing.

“I don’t blame Mensur for me losing that game. I missed two match darts. Simple as that,” Smith said.

“Obviously it’s impossible for me to know what he’s doing behind my back when I’m throwing apart from the crowd’s response. Karma will come around.”

Suljovic has now publicly apologised, but the DRA’s review means the controversy could continue beyond the tournament, with the possibility of disciplinary action still hanging over the Austrian.